Hands-On Chemistry Activities With Real-Life Applications contains over 300 intriguing investigations designed to engage students in a genuine pursuit of science. Because of the favorable response to Hands-On Physics Activities, the authors used the same approach and philosophy in writing this resource. This hands-on, inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning science follows recommendations set forth in the National Academy of Sciences' National Science Education Standards and the National Science Teachers Association's Scope Sequence and Coordination Project.

Activities included in this resource provide meaningful interactions between students and their world in a manner encouraging sound scientific reasoning. Many of the activities produce unexpected or dramatic results that capture student interest. Each set of investigations is preceded by a concise introduction to relevant concepts, providing students a foundation on which to build their understanding. This resource contains more than 450 illustrations and 100 tables to guide students and teachers in carrying out the activities. To stimulate student reasoning, thought-provoking questions are included after each set of activities. Following each student section is material developed especially for the teacher in which concepts are explained in greater detail, questions are answered, and directions are provided for presenting activities as impressive classroom demonstrations. Interesting and practical applications of scientific principles and concepts are introduced throughout the resource, helping students understand the relevance of science to their everyday lives.

The authors have made every effort to include activities that can be carried out safely with materials commonly found in the students' everyday environment. Some require materials found in the typical science classroom, or inexpensive equipment available from scientific supply houses. Activities have been successfully implemented and tested in the classroom by experienced and novice science teachers.

Although every effort has been made to design activities that can be carried out safely, the authors emphasize that chemical investigations may involve hazards. Consequently, teachers and students must pay particular attention to all recommendations concerning safety, printed in italics throughout this resource. Whenever dealing with chemicals, it is essential to wear protective clothing and eyeware. Some activities, while dramatic, may be dangerous and should be performed only by the instructor as indicated in the resource. If you have reservations regarding safety, do not carry out an activity.

As students perform the investigations described in this resource, they will become engaged in the processes of science, and will acquire knowledge and understanding of basic science concepts and the relevance of these to their everyday lives.

1.2 Units of Measurement

1.2.1 The Importance of Units
1.2.2 Units in Chemistry
1.2.3 Problem Solving (Dimensional Analysis)
For the Teacher (Discussion and Answer Keys for Activities 1.2.1-1.2.3)
Applications to Everyday Life

1.3 Measurement

1.3.1 Length: Estimating and Measuring
1.3.2 Area: Estimating and Measuring
1.3.3 Volume: Estimating and Measuring
1.3.4 Measuring Mass
1.3.5 Density of Solids
1.3.6 Density of Liquids
1.3.7 Density of Solutions
1.3.8 Density of Solutions: The Mystery of the Strait of Gibraltar
1.3.9 Density of Gases
For the Teacher (Discussion and Answer Keys for Activities 1.3.1-1.3.9)
Applications to Everyday Life

4.3 Chemical Kinetics

4.3.1 The Effect of Concentration on Reaction Rate
4.3.2 The Effect of Temperature on Reaction Rate
4.3.3 The Effect of Temperature and Concentration on Reaction Rate
4.3.4 Catalysts, Reaction Rates and Activation Energy
4.3.5 Enzymes
4.3.6 Oscillating Chemical Reactions
For the Teacher (Discussion and Answer Keys for Activities 4.3.1-4.3.6)
Applications to Everyday Life

4.4 Chemical Equilibrium

4.4.1 Models of Dynamic Equilibrium
4.4.2 Disruption of Equilibrium
4.4.3 The Effect of Concentration on Equilibrium
4.4.4 The Effect of Pressure on Equilibrium
4.4.5 The Effect of Temperature on Equilibrium
For the Teacher (Discussion and Answer Keys for Activities 4.4.1-4.4.5)
Applications to Everyday Life

5.2 Colloids and Suspensions

5.2.1 Tyndall Effect
5.2.2 Classification of Dispersions: Solutions, Colloids, and Suspensions
5.2.3 Brownian Motion in Colloids
5.2.4 Making Colloids
For the Teacher (Discussion and Answer Keys for Activities 5.2.1-5.2.4)
Applications to Everyday Life

5.3 Solutes, Solvents, Solutions

5.3.1 Solubility (Solute/Solvent Interaction)
5.3.2 Surface Area and Dissolution Rate
5.3.3 Temperature and Dissolution Rate
5.3.4 Enthalpy of Solution
5.3.5 Solubility of Gases in Liquids
For the Teacher (Discussion and Answer Keys for Activities 5.3.1-5.3.5)
Applications to Everyday Life

5.4 Colligative Properties

5.4.1 Raoult's Law
5.4.2 Freezing Point Depression
5.4.3 Boiling Point Elevation
5.4.4 Osmotic Pressure
For the Teacher (Discussion and Answer Keys for Activities 5.4.1-5.4.4)
Applications to Everyday Life